As the NFL regular season is nearing an end, teams are hoping their rookie class can provide valuable production as they make a playoff push or hope to save a coach’s job. The Lions got just that on Thanksgiving, receiving a two-sack performance from a sixth-round pick. Let’s see if he receives this week’s top honor on the defensive side, and which other rookies showed out!
Offensive Rookie of the Week: Garrett Wilson, WR, New York Jets
Garrett Wilson vs man coverage:
• 21 receptions (leads all rookies)
• 281 yards (leads all rookies)
• 127 YAC (leads all rookies)
• 2 TDThe Jets rookie WR is a PROBLEM against man 👀 pic.twitter.com/C6rMQDNe25
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) December 1, 2022
All eyes were on the New York Jets offense after Head Coach Robert Saleh surprisingly benched second-year quarterback Zach Wilson in favor of Mike White. White answered the call and received a lot of help from rookie first-round wide receiver Garrett Wilson. In a dominant 31-10 win over the Chicago Bears, Wilson caught five passes for 95 yards and two touchdowns, including a 54-yard house call in which he showcased his dangerous elusiveness. Wilson is one of the best rookie wide receivers and is on his way to becoming a Pro-Bowl caliber player.
Runners-Up:
Brian Robinson, RB, Washington Commanders
Robinson shined in a 19-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons to the tune of 18 carries for 105 yards, along with two catches, 20 yards, and a touchdown in the receiving game. His physical running style and ability to break tackles were on display.
Christian Watson, WR, Green Bay Packers
Watson’s breakout is legitimate, as he recorded a third-straight game with at least a touchdown, catching four balls for 110 yards. With the 64-yard touchdown from Jordan Love, Watson reminded us that he is genuinely a big play waiting to happen.
Defensive Rookie of the Week: James Houston, OLB, Detroit Lions
Lions Rookie LB X Jackson State Alum James Houston With The Sack! 😤
🎥: @Lions pic.twitter.com/S0wkgwBbrp— LIGHT ON COLLEGE SPORTS (@LightOnSports) November 24, 2022
James Houston was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster this week before the Lions’ game on Thanksgiving and he made the most of that opportunity in his NFL debut in a narrow loss to the Buffalo Bills. Houston only played five snaps on defense; however, he recorded two sacks and two tackles on those five snaps which is amazing production for an entire game, let alone five snaps. Houston’s performance on Thursday was rewarded with an active roster contract, which elevates him to the 53-man roster. Houston showed great bend to get around the edge and a relentless motor. Houston deserves more snaps going forwards and may become a nice rotational piece for the Lions’ defense.
Runners-Up:
Reed Blankenship, S, Philadelphia Eagles
Reed Blankenship, an undrafted free agent from Middle Tennessee, made his presence known against the Green Packers on Sunday night, filling in for an injured Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, recording an impressive interception along with six tackles and a tackle for loss.
Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner, CB, New York Jets
There is not much more to say about Sauce despite the fact that he was lock-down once again, allowing one reception for 31 yards and recording four tackles in the Jets’ 31-10 win against the Bears.
